Sven Draconian
Not a Scandanavian
Began this by simming to the 2013 season (Game's rosters are from the start of 2010, so there are some differences between reality and how the game played out) and then taking my Tigers (tied for 3rd worst record, 25th farm season, no winning seasons during the sim, finished with 96 losses).
They Tigers had a massive payroll around 110 million. Including 3 20 million per year deals (Verlander, Jose Reyes, Cabrera) and 10 million to Adam Dunn.
Verlander had Tommy John in 2011 and lost his control (126 walks in 218 innings, only 179 K's and 25 HR), putting him as a back end starter at age 30. Dealt him + a utility infielder to the yankees for a relief pitcher who was solid in AAA, but no majors experience (Age 27).
Adam Dunn was 33 and had 4 more years on his deal. He had slipped a little bit the past year (OBP down to .360, lost a littler power). Still a good hitter, but was on the downside. Traded him to Houston for 3 good, young players and some pair of decent prospects (+ I had a couple minor league throw ins).
Reyes was 29 and coming off back to back average seasons hitting wise (OPS+ at 99, .360s OBP, little power). He did have 54 steals and was an awesome defender at SS. But his contract was 22 million for 4 years. Still a good player, but not a 22 million dollar player. Dealt him to the Angels for 2 stud pitching prospcts and an OF prospect.
Then came FA. I had 68 million to spend. Signed Cole Hammels (29 this season, 5 straight years with a sub 4 ERA) to a 20 million a year deal for 4 years. Then signed James Toney (OPS+ of 150, 144, 133 the past 3 seasons) to a 21 million a year deal to be a 1B/DH.
Also signed Melky Cabrera (28, .360 OBP for 3 straight years) to be my 4th OF. Omar Infante (.360+ OBP for 5 years, but limited ABs) to be an all-around utility guy. Singed Jhonny Peralta (.325 OBP) to be a utility IF, Pinch hitter type. All 3 signed for under 800,000 a piece.
They Tigers had a massive payroll around 110 million. Including 3 20 million per year deals (Verlander, Jose Reyes, Cabrera) and 10 million to Adam Dunn.
Verlander had Tommy John in 2011 and lost his control (126 walks in 218 innings, only 179 K's and 25 HR), putting him as a back end starter at age 30. Dealt him + a utility infielder to the yankees for a relief pitcher who was solid in AAA, but no majors experience (Age 27).
Adam Dunn was 33 and had 4 more years on his deal. He had slipped a little bit the past year (OBP down to .360, lost a littler power). Still a good hitter, but was on the downside. Traded him to Houston for 3 good, young players and some pair of decent prospects (+ I had a couple minor league throw ins).
Reyes was 29 and coming off back to back average seasons hitting wise (OPS+ at 99, .360s OBP, little power). He did have 54 steals and was an awesome defender at SS. But his contract was 22 million for 4 years. Still a good player, but not a 22 million dollar player. Dealt him to the Angels for 2 stud pitching prospcts and an OF prospect.
Then came FA. I had 68 million to spend. Signed Cole Hammels (29 this season, 5 straight years with a sub 4 ERA) to a 20 million a year deal for 4 years. Then signed James Toney (OPS+ of 150, 144, 133 the past 3 seasons) to a 21 million a year deal to be a 1B/DH.
Also signed Melky Cabrera (28, .360 OBP for 3 straight years) to be my 4th OF. Omar Infante (.360+ OBP for 5 years, but limited ABs) to be an all-around utility guy. Singed Jhonny Peralta (.325 OBP) to be a utility IF, Pinch hitter type. All 3 signed for under 800,000 a piece.
